New Defender's Study Bible Notes

12:29consuming fire. This phrase is found in Deuteronomy 4:24 and 9:3, as well as Exodus 24:17 and Isaiah 29:6; 30:27; 30:30 and 33:14, where the same words are translated “devouring fire,” in every case referring to God’s fierce judgment against sin. However, this is the only place where this Greek word, meaning “utterly destroying,” is used. Note also II Thessalonians 1:8.